Who would have planted the cane, run the mills and funded the colony if they had gone to battle?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that the labor of Indo-Fijians built the colony, implying they should not have been expected to fight.
- In plain terms
- Who would have worked and funded the country if they fought instead?
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the economic role of workers who were treated unfairly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does work earn rights?
- What did laborers expect in return?
Another view
Economic contribution does not automatically grant moral or political equality.
More from Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi
They (Indo-Fijians) came as indentured laborers to this land and were treated harshly. They had little reason to be grateful to their colonial masters and like…
Permalink to quote #47 This was to no doubt reaffirm Indo-Fijian bravery, they suffered greatly under indenture and were often unfairly and needlessly provoked. They bore it with for…
Permalink to quote #49 Reconciliation and forgiveness is inextricably linked to the identity and unity we develop as a nation.
Permalink to quote #46
Related quotes
(on the Indian presence in his country): 'Let us not ignore the fact that there is another community settled here in our midst. I refer to the Indians. They ha…
Ratu Sir Lala SukunaRatu Sir Lala Sukuna quote #1 'Eda na sega ni kilai na i Taukei kevaka ena sega mada ni dave e liu na noda dra.' (English Translation: 'Fijians will never be recognized unless our blood is …
Ratu Sir Lala SukunaRatu Sir Lala Sukuna quote #3 They (Indo-Fijians) came as indentured laborers to this land and were treated harshly. They had little reason to be grateful to their colonial masters and like…
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #47